Town and country planning in the Scottish borders: fringe activity or a beacon for rural regeneration?

Abstract

ABSTRACT This review essay discusses the emergence of town and country planning in the Scottish Borders area through the twentieth century, as exemplified by Douglas Hope's engaging new book. It provides a detailed commentary on the history and practice of planning in Scotland and the Borders area, as well as highlighting the more recent divergence in the planning system from other parts of the UK. It comments on the body of planning literature focused on rural areas and how generally this has been subservient to urban and city planning. Set against the background of social, economic and political changes, it describes how planning emerged from fringe activity to a major economic player in this part of Scotland and how planning and economic development became more intrinsically linked and with increasing attention given nationally to rural areas. The call for the Borders to have more powers akin to the emerging Highlands and Islands Development Board is discussed in detail. Various debates around rural development and conservation are articulated and set against a broad background of rural economic development. Putting planning firmly at the forefront of dynamic development and conservation activity, it offers a detailed and authoritative insight into rural planning issues.